Automatic electric interlock system.



J. P. CLARK.

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC INTERLOOK SYSTEM.

v APPLIOATION I'I LED JULY 27, 1307. 924,735.

Patented Jun 15, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

lmmmkn 13 8 M emu J F. CLARK. AUTOMATIC ELEGTRIG INTERLOOK SYSTEM.'

APPLIUATION FILED JULY 27. 1907 'Ptented June 15, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

avwenkoz Q/vituaqam 777- (0 MLMLL' Qua bump J. I. CLARK.

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC INTERLOGK SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 27, 1907.

Patented June 15, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

UNITED sir-arias PATENT enrich.

JOHN F. CLARK, or cnarsror'naa, ILLINOIS.

Annemarie nnao'rmo INTERLOCK sysrnzu.

No. 924,735. Specification of Letters Patent. Patented June 15, 1909.

Application filed July 27, 1907. Serial No. 385,841. I

Be it known that I, JonNF. CLARK, a citiaccompanying drawings, in which, zen oi' the United States, residing at Chris Figure 1 is a View illustrating, diagramtopher, in the county of Franklin and State matically, the outlay of the system, also illus- 50 of Illinois, have invented certain new and trating oonventionallytheswitchniechanism.

To all whom ii may concern: the appended claims, and disclosed by the useful Automatic Electric Interlock Sys- F 1g. 2 1s a view illustrating, diagrammaticteins, of which the fOllOWIHg I S a specificaally, the switch mechanism which discloses tion, reference being had therein to the acv its'local circuit. Fig.3isa view,ill ustratin companying drawing. l arts-of the elements as disclosed in Fig. 2. 5 his invention pertains to a new and useig. 4 is a View of the oscillating elements 182 ful automatic electric interlock system for and 183.

railways, .which comprises a track running Referring to the annexeddrawings, 1 and north and south, which is crossed approxi- 2 designate the rails of the track runnin mateiy at right angles thereto by an east and north and south, the rail 2 being insulated 70 I south-bound or north-bound train may be tions, as illustrated, thus providing blocks west track; thi .ystem is applicable to a from the other rail. These rails are in secsingle track, running in any desired direction, tions, as shown, thus dividing the track into as will be clearly manifest. I blocks 3, 4-, 5, 6 and 7.

In its broadest aspect, the invention com- 8 and 9 indicate the rails of the tracks-unprises a system if this character by which a ning east and west, which rails are in sec.- 7

switched u on a side-track, while the train 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. A signal 15, of the 5 going in t e opposite direction may pass usual form, is positioned adjacent the block, through on the main track, after which the 4 of the track running north and south this south or north-bound train may continue on signal is electrically connected to an opposso its course; while a south or northbound ing signal 16, similar to the si 119.1 15, by train is switched upon the side track, signals means of the lead 17, as clearly rown.

are exhibited to trains bound east or west, The signal 16 is electrically connected to thus notifying the engineer'on east or west the switch mechanism 18, through the mebound train that danger is ahead. The sigdium of the lead 19 and the si nal is nals are automatically and electrically operelectrically connected to the switch n1echanvatedloy the different trains bound in all diism.20 by the lead '21, as is also disclosed by rections, prior to being switched upon the the drawings. These signals are operated side-track and, as the trains leai e the side'-- when a' tram bound north or south enters tracks, the signals are returned to their norblocks 4 or 6, which will be hereinafter more so ma] state, as will be readily understood from fully described.

a thorough examination of the drawings, in Attention is directed to the track r'unnin connection with the hereinafter description. east and west, the wiring of which is a One rail of the track running north and proximately similar to that ofthe track south is insulated from the other rail as is running north. and south, and which is realso one rail of theetrack running east and ferred to as follows: A distant signal 22 is west, andthe side-tracks consist of three sec? located adjacentthe block 11 of the east and tions, two end sections and an intermediate, west track which is electrically connected'b or b section, one rail of each of the end sections is a lead 23 to a similar distant signal 24 of the insulated from the ground to correspond to block 13, which signal 24 is electrically conthe insulated rail of each track runningnorth nected to the switch mechanism 25, by the orsouth, east or west, while the intermediate lead 26, as shown in the drawings, while the sectionsof the side-tracks, that is to say, distant signal 22 is provided with electrical both rails thereof have no electrical connecconnections with the switch mechanism- 27 tions and are isolated from the surrounding through the lead, 28, as is also disclosed by blocks. When'a train is bn the intermediate the drawings. i section of the side-.track, the signals of the Blocks 7 and 3, are clectricall connected tracks running at right angles thereto, are in to the,magnets 29 and 30, by t e leadsfal, condition to be operated. 31 and 32 and 32%,as clearly shown; these The invention com rises further objectsmagnets 29 and30 attractthe usual arma-' 11o" andcombinations or" e ements which will be tures 33 and 3 1. Blocks 10 and '14 have hereinafter more fully -descr1bed,'defined' by connected thereto leads 35, 35*, 36 and 36,

form electrical connections with the magnets-37 and 38, which are provided with the usual armatures .39 and 40, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 1.

A lead 41 is connected to the switch mechanism 20, as clearl shown, and which forms a junction 42 with eads 43 and 44; the leads 43 being connected to the contact point 45, which is coeperated with by means of the armature 47, which also cofiperates with magnet 49, as clearly shown in Fig. 1; while the lead 44 is'connected to a contact 50,

with which an armature 52 cooperates; this armature 52 co-acts with the magnet 54, as

clearly shown. v 1

A unction 55 is formed by the leads 56 and 57, as shown; the lead 56 is connected to the ivot of the armature 52, as at 58', which ead 56 is provided with a suitable battery 59; while thelead 57 is connected to the ivot. 60 of the armature 47 ,and in which ead 57, a suitable battery 61 is provided, so as to provide current therefor. The switch mechanism 18 is connected to the junction. 55, by the lead 62, as clearly shown.

The switch mechanism 27 is electrically I connected-by means of a lead 63 to the pivot 64 of the armature 65, which is designed to cooperate withthe magnet 68 and the contact 69, to which the contact .70 is electrically connected by means of the lead 71 with which contact 70 the armature 73 pivoted at 74 co6perates. This armature 73 is designed to co-act in conjunction with -v the magnet 76, as will be clearly understood.

The pivot'of, the armature 73 is electrically connected bK-means of the lead 77 with the water of t e switch mechanism 25 of the'block 13 is electrically connected with the contact '69,

e armature 65, as clearly shown.-

b means of the lead 80. Cobperating with t etmagnet 68 is an armature 82,.which is pivoted, as at 83, which pivot 83 is electrically connected to the insulated rail 8 of 'thetrack running east and west, by means.

V 93, as disclosed by the drawings. The arma-- three 87'and 91 are provided with members 94 and 95 which cooperate with the contacts 96'and-97 of the lates 98. These plates 98 are provided wit additional members 99 and. 100 which arecoiiperated with, by the armatures 101 end 102, which are pivoted,

at 103 and 104,'said armatures being 'for.

the purpose of cocperating in conjunction with the magnet 107, as illustrated; this magnet is electrically connected with an armature 33, by means of the lead 109, which armature 33 c'o-acts with the magnet 29.. .As before stated, this armature 33 is supported b means of the armature 110, which is provlded with a beveled element, to engage the end of said armature 33.

The armaturellO is'attracted, at certain times, by the magnet 54, as will be clearly manifest. The pivot of the armature 110 s electrically connected by means of the lead 112 with the rail 1 of the block 4, as clearly shown; this lead 112 is provided with a suitable battery 113 for the purpose of supplying current therefor. The magnets 89 and 54 are electrically connected. by means of the lead 114 and said magnet 54 is also electricalgconnected tothe rail 1 of the block 6, by V of the lead 115, in-wlii'cha'suitable battery 116 is providedfor the purpose of supplying current therefor. The magnet 89 -has con-' nected thereto a lead 117 which islalso con nected electrically withthe pivot 118 of the armature 119, which ,co-acts in con'unction with the magnet 121, as clearly disclosed by the drawings. This armature 119 is provided with a member 122 which forms an electrical "connection with a plate 123, through the medium of the member 124, carried thereby; this late is provided with an additional mem er 125, toba booperat'ed with by the armature 127, the. ivot 128 of which is electrically connected with the the armature 130, bymeans oft e lead 140 this armature 139 redesigned; to sup ort the outer free end of the armature 34', t at is to say, when the magnet 49 is"denergized. As-

clearly, illustrated, pivot 1030f the armature 101 and the magnet 142 are electrically connected by means of the lead l43. Cooperating with" magnets 121' and I42 are armatures 144 and 145, which are pivoted, as at 146 and 147, as clearly shown. The pivot 146 is electricall connected with the magnet 10?, by the lea 148, while the pivot 147 is electricall connected to the magnet 49, through the medium of the lead'149, as will be readily understood from the drawings. The outer free ends of the armatures 144 and 145 are provided with membels 150 and 151, which cooperate with members 152 of the plate 153, as will be observed These armatures are also attracted by the magnets 142 and 121, whenener 'zed.

The insulated rail 2 o the magnet-49 are electrically connected by the lead 157 as is readily traced on the drawings. The rail 9 of the block 11 and the magnet 76 are electrically connected by the lead 1158; this magnet 76 is cooperated-with by the armature 160, the pivot 161 of which is electrically connected with themagnet 142,

BEDS

block 4 and the ivot 129 of v the lead 162, as will be observed. This with the insulated rail 20f the block 6, by means of the lead 168.

he magnets 76-and 1.21am electrically connected by a lead 169, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. he rail of the block 13, connected by means of the lead 170, in which a suitable battery 171 is located, for the ur )ose of supplying current therefor.

Tile leads 31 and 36 35 and 32 are provided with batteries 172-, for the purpose of en plying current to readi y manifest.

Each one of the switch mechanisms is conapproxil 2 of the annexed drawings, and is operated approxi-- structed and mately similar wired electrically, to that shown in Fig.

mately similar when a train is boum north or south, east or West upon any of the blocks 4, 6, Hand 13, as will be hereinafter set forth. These switch mechanisms comprise a conventional form of-motor 173, the shaft of which is provided with signed to engage a rack ally connected, as at 176, the switch. This rack is provided with two sets of lateral projecting arms 178 and 179, designed to engage arms 180 and 181 of the oscillating members 182 and 183, which are moved over the segments 184, 185, 186, 1S7, 188,189, 190, and 191, that is, when the said rack is reciprocated. The said oscillating members are pivoted to a base 1 82 as at 183 K he.segments 188 and 190 are electrically connected by the Wire 192, and the segments a pinion 174, de-

to the point rail of 191 and 187 are electrically connected by the wire 193. The segment 186 is electrically connected to the field of the motor by the lead 194, which field is electrically connected with the segment 189, by the lead 195, as clearly disclosed by Fig. 2; The segment 188 is provided with an-electrical connection with one brush of the motor, such as the lead 196, while the segment 191 is connected to the motors other brush,,by the lead 197: ,A magnet 01 conventional form is disclosed in Fig. 2, designated by the numeral 198, with whiclrthe armature 199 of the lever 200 cooperates. This lever oscillates between two contacts 201 and 202, the contact 202 is electrically connected with the segment 184 by the lead 203, whilethe contact 201 is electrically connected with .the segment 185 by the lead 204, as is also disclosed by Fig. 2. Also in conjunction with the elements of the switch mechanism, suitable storage butand the magnet 68, are electrically 175, which is pivottery 205 is provided, which is in circuit with the segment 189 and the said lever 200, through the medium of the leads 206 and 207, as clearly illustrated. When the mag- 1 net 198 is deenergized, a spring 203 returns the lever 200 in contact with the contact 201. Vi hen a train enters block 4 and is bound outh, the circuit is closed on magnets 49 s and 198, thus setting in operation the motor 173, as hereinafter described, which motor, in turn, moves the said rack 175, so as to throw the point rail 177 in a. position to allow the said train to be switched upon the side track. When the said rack is moving to close the point rail, the said lateral projecting arms 173 are moving the oscillating members 132 and 183 over the said segments and just as soon as the said elements are in the act of passing the center of the segments, the spring l 209 draws them in a position, as shown in 4 the system, as will be Fig. 3 of the drawings, thus stopping the action of the motor, which will cause the point rail to be moved to an open position.

The circuit, while the oscillating elements are in a position, as shown in Fig. 2, is traced as follows: current le'avi 1g the storage batteries 205, through theazire 207 to the lever 200 and through the contact 202 and the wire 203, that is, when'the lever 200 is at tracted by the magnet 198; the current then enters the segment 184 and the metallic eonduetor of the oscillating member 182, as will j be understood; the current divides at this i point, one flow of which enters the field 212 I 1 l through the medium of thesegments 186 and the lead 194. The current, leaving the field 212, enters the segment 189, through the medium of the lead 195; at the point where the current enters said segment 189, it rel unites with that part of the current divided 5 therefrom on the oscillating element 182 and j continues throng-h the lead 206 back to the j storage battery 2205; the portion of current which is divided from that going through the 1 lead 194, continues through the segment 188, lalong the lead 196 to one of the niotors lbrushes, then leaving the -motors other brush along the lead 197 to the segment 191, 1.83 and the I through the-oscillating element l segment 189, thus reuniting with entering the said segment .189, through the I lead 195, as it continues to the said storage battery.

The circuit of the switch mechanism is traced as follows: that is to say, while the ,oscillating elements are in a position, as shown in Fig. 3, current leaves the battery I 205 through the lead 207 to the lever 200, and through the contact 201, that is, when the magnet 198 is (leenergized by the opening o the circuit 185, oy meansoi' the lead 204. The current continues tothe-segment 186 through the medium of electrical conduetor oi the oscillating element 182; this conductor is insuthe currentof block 4, to the segment lated from said element, as will be observed. The current divides, one portion of which enters the field 212, through the wire 194;

the current then advances to the se ment 5 189, by means of the wire 1%; whie the .other portion of the said current advances to the segments 187 and 191 throughmeans 1 of the conductor of the element 182 and the wire 193, from which se ment 191'the current forwards to one of t e motors brushes,

by the'wire 197. The current thencontinues on through the lead 196, from the other of the 'motors brushes to the segment 188 and through the same, to the segment 5190,, by means of the wire. 192, from whence it advancesthrough the conductor of the element 183 to the segment 189, where it reunites with the current enterin the said segment 189 from the lead 195-an advances 0v on its course to the said batteries through the connection 206', as will 'be readily conveyed to the mind of the reader versed i i this articular art.

,Wlien the oscillating elements are, as

shown-in Fig. 3, the current forwards to the -motors brushes in an opposite direction to the advancement of the current whenthe oscillating elements are as shown in full lines in Fig. 2; the direction of the armaturcs 0 current being .reversed, but that -of the fieldssremaining the same, the motor isreversed, which, upturn, closesthe point rails ofv the switch, as will be readily observeda Each one of the switch mechanisms and 5 the signals are similar in'their operation,

and for that reason only one of each is disclosed. Suppose a train tobe moving along block 3, so soon as it shall have passed onto block 4 (one rail of which block is insulated from the ground) the circuit of the magnets 107 and 49. is closed through the medium. of the engines driving wheels and axles, and ourrentpr'o'eeeds from the battery 113, through wire 112 armature 110, armature 33 and wire 109 to magnet 107, then through wire 148,

throu h the armature 144, which cooperates with t 1e magnet 121, then through the member of the plate through the armature 145, thus continuing; on its course through the wire 149, to magnet 49, from whence it advances through the wire 157 to the insulated rail, returning to the-batter 113, through the engines driving whee s and axles, and that portion of the wire 112 which connects the rail -1 of the block 4.

attracts its armature 47 am also the arma- When the'magnet 107 is energized, the

armatures 101 and 102 are attracted thereto; the function of this movement will be disclosed later. On being ener ized, magnet 49 ture 130, establishing a local circuit, the

current of which begins at battery 61, moves.

along the wire-57, to'the junction 55, thus continuing along the wire 62 to the switch mechanism 18, to the distant signal 16, by

17 to the distant signal 15, along wire 21 to the switch mechanism 20, through the wire 41, to the junction 42, then continuing through the armature 47, and back to the path for the current at junctions 55 and 42, because the magnet 54 is dene'rgized and the armature 53 is not in operation.

The operation just above disclosed sets train going north to pass, as will be readily manifest, the norma positions of the east and west signals being at danger, and an on- 101 and 102 cooperate with their magnets, that is to say, when a south bound train is on the section of the side track indicated b the numeral 221. eeed right through rails 1 and 2, and will not because the circuit of the blocks is open at point 34, by the actionof the magnet 49. After .a north bound train has passed, a south bound train ma proceed, in which actthe the point-rails'of the switch of block 6, the

gized, its armatures 101 and 102 being returned to their normal positions, thus puttin blocks 11 and 13 in condition'to be operated by east and west boundtrains.

221 are each of suflicient length, that is, in-

by the leader lines-to the above reference characters of thedrawings. 7

Assuming this condition of structure, it

anism, taking siding andstop on section 221.". This would leave block 6 electrically inoperative, its circuit having been opene atpolnt means-of the 'wire 19, then through the wirethrough the wire 43, to the contact 45,

operate electrically the switch mechanism,

fianges'ofthe'w eels of the train forceyoverreturningof said point rail, resulting from the mechanical movement of the oscillating elements, to the position shown 'in Fig. 3, 4

an actual-reduction to practice, to accommm date the longesttrain used on th1s s stem, the length of these sections being 1n mated,

would-be possible for a southboundtrain, on reaching block 4 to operate the switch mchbattery 61; There is obviously only one forth the circuit at the time when the southbound train is switched, so as toallow the coming east or west train cannot operate the signals becausethe circuits of blocks 11 and 13 I are open, at the points where the armatures A north bound train wil proisolated track 221, intermediate between 9 blocks 4 and 6, the'magnet 107 is deener- The isolated sections 221 221 221 and is claimed as new anduseful ]SZ- so as to switch thesaid approaching trai n to by an approaching train to operate said tric current, as and for the purpose specified.

side tracks and signals therefor,- said side preaching train which 0 adapted after 'the'switched train has left the 34*, this would allow a north bound train to pass, The same cycle of actions would be performed on the east and west bound tracks, by trains running respectively east and west, when one train would ta 2. the

siding and the otherwouid pass through on the main track;

'l he features and elements and the ar rangement thereof, for accomplishing the objects of the system may be changed and varied, that is to say, in an actual reduction to practice, with an understanding that the changes and variations accruing from said reduction to ractice are limited'to the scope .of the appended claims. i F

Having thus described the ipvention, what switches, comprising oscillating members and cooperative segments and motor 0 crated spring tensioned reciprocating b for operating said members, signals operated thereby, a plurality of magnets and their armaturcs, and batteries to provide an elec- 3. In a system as set forth, railway tracks,

tracks having switches, switch mechanisms, magnets and their res cctive armatures and batteries to provide e ectric current for the said switch mechanisin's, said switch mech anism adapted-foo be 0 crated by an. ap-

oses the circuit of the said magnets and their armaturcs and batteries for operating the switches so as to switch the approachin train upon the side track, the said switch mechanisms being side track to cause said switches to be electrically returned to their openpositions.

4. In a system as set forth, railway tracks intersecting at right angles to one another, side tracks and signals therefor, said side tracks having switches, said railway tracks having adjacent thereto and beyond their intersection switch mechanisms, an electric cir--- cuit for each-switch mechanism adapted to be closed by an approaching train to cause the switch mechanisms to. operate the switches I rection to pass.

allow a train approaching in an opposite di- 5. In a systemasset forth, intersecting i railway tracks one running north and-southand the other running cast and west, the

north and south track having a side track,

switches therefor, signals for the north and south track, switch mechanisms'having their respective electric circuits which are adapted to be closed by an operates one of said switches, the east and west track having a side track and switches, signals,switc h mechanisms having local electric'circuits and comprising oscillating mombers and coiiperative 6. 'In a system as set forth, intersecting railway tracks, one running northand south and the other running east and west, the

north and south track having a side track, switches therefor, signals for the north and south track, switch mechanisms having their respective electric circuits which are ada ted to e closed by an approaching train w iich operates one of said switches, the east and west track having a side track and switches,

signals, switch mechanisms having local electric circuits and comprising oscillating members and coiiperativ'e segments and a motor operated bar for operating the said members.

7. In a system as set forth, intersecting railway tracks, one running north and south and the other running east and west, the,

north and south track having a side track, switches therefor, signals for the north and south track, switch mechanisms having their res ective electric circuits which are ada ted to e closed by an approaching train w ich operates one of said switches, the east and west track having a side track and switches signals, switch mechanisms having their respective local circuits and comprising oscillating members and cooperative. segments,

the switching of the approaching train )utting the signals of the east and west trac condition to be operated by an east or west approaching train.

8. In a system as set forth, intersecting railway tracks, side tracks and switches therefor, signals, switch mechanisms having their respective circuits which are closed by an approaching train to operate said switches so as to side track the said train, and after the I same has left the side track the said switches are returned to their normal positions.

9, In a system as set forth, intersecting railway tracks, side tracks and switches therefor, signals, switchme'chanisms an approaching switches, the switching of the said train electrically restoring the'said switches to their open position, said switch mechanisms hav-' ing an electric circuit adapted to be reversed upon the switching of the said, train which reverses the action of the motor of the said switch 'me'chanism s torestore the said switches to their open osition-and a motor in the circuit of the sai switch mechanisms.

approaching train which segments. 7

having. theinrespectivc circuits which are closed by train to o )erate said lot) 1 10. In a system as set forth, a railway restores the said switches'to their open positrack, a side track having switches, signalsf tion, I 3 10 switch mechanisms having their respective In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix my circuits adapted to be closed by an approach-, signature in presence of two witnesses. 5 ing train, the said circuits being reversible b JOHN F. CLARK. v

the switchin of the said train, said switc Witnesses:

mechanisms iavin motor circuits'which are, JOHN W". DYE,

reversible by the rst-named circuits which C. W. BURK. 

